Sunday, April 3, 2011

Etsy has become one of the fastest growing marketplace platforms in recent years. It is such a refreshing change from some of the other big name sites out there, and one of the main reasons is because of its artist-based community. True, you may only sell handmade items, vintage goods or supplies on Etsy, but that is what makes it so great. No box store items here, most listings are one of a kind, specialized and often eco-friendly or 'green'.

PHOTOS

An Etsy seller is given the freedom to decide how their shop will look, and it’s up to you to brand your shop with a specific look or feel. The best and easiest way to do this is through your photos. Etsy loves a clean, neutral colored background, and/or an artistic portrayal of the item; extreme close-up, sharply angled, action shots, and the like. The basic idea is to sell your item based on the photo, in addition to an informative and clever product description. Digital cameras have become so affordable and easy to use, they are essential in producing clear, accurate images of your items.

Good lighting is another factor to pay close attention to when taking photos, and cannot be stressed enough. Remember that every monitor is different according to color adjustment and accuracy. Natural light works very well for clothing and larger pieces. Bright light is usually needed for small items such as jewelry or highly detailed goods. Take a few test shots of your product with, and without the flash setting on your camera, to decide which way will feature your item best--but more importantly--which way serves as the most accurate representation of the piece.